The information provided by the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office is intended to assist homeowners, property owners, and the public in understanding property assessments, exemptions, and related tax information. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date data, all content on our website and in our publications is for informational purposes only. Users should not rely solely on this information for legal, financial, or professional decisions without independent verification. The Office does not assume liability for errors, omissions, or outdated information, and using our resources is done at your own risk. This disclaimer helps clarify the limits of our responsibility and emphasizes the importance of verifying any critical property data with official sources.
General Disclaimer & Information Accuracy
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office provides information to help property owners, residents, and other stakeholders understand property assessments, exemptions, taxes, and related procedures. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the information presented, users should recognize that all data is provided for general informational purposes only. Circumstances may change, and the information may not always reflect the most current legal or administrative updates, changes in property values, or other factors affecting assessments and taxes.
Informational Purposes Only
All content provided—whether on the website, in downloadable resources, or in printed materials—is intended solely to educate and inform the public. The Office does not guarantee that the information is free from errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. Users should independently verify any information that could impact financial, legal, or personal decisions, particularly when submitting forms, filing appeals, or calculating tax obligations. The materials are meant to serve as a guide, not as a definitive or binding authority.
No Legal, Financial, or Professional Advice
The Office’s resources are not a substitute for professional advice. Property owners, taxpayers, and other users should consult with licensed attorneys, certified accountants, tax professionals, or other qualified advisors before making decisions that could affect finances, legal standing, or property ownership. Decisions based solely on information obtained from the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s resources are made at the user’s own risk, and the Office cannot accept responsibility for consequences arising from such reliance.
No Attorney-Client or Fiduciary Relationship
Accessing or using information from the Highlands County Property Appraiser does not establish any professional, fiduciary, or attorney-client relationship. While the Office seeks to provide clear and helpful guidance, users are ultimately responsible for confirming details, meeting deadlines, and complying with applicable laws and regulations. Reliance on the information provided does not create any legal obligations on the part of the Office, and all actions taken based on this information remain the responsibility of the individual user.
Accuracy of Data
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office strives to provide reliable and up-to-date property information, including assessments, ownership details, exemptions, and tax data. However, due to the dynamic nature of property records, legal changes, and updates in assessments, users should understand that no guarantee of accuracy or completeness can be made.
No Guarantee of Accuracy
While the Office carefully maintains and updates all records, errors, omissions, or delays may occur. Information displayed online, in reports, or in publications may not reflect the most current property status, tax calculations, or legal changes. Users should not rely solely on this data for official, legal, or financial decisions.
Users Should Verify Independently
It is the responsibility of property owners, taxpayers, and other users to independently confirm any critical information. Verification can be done through official property records, direct communication with the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office, or consultation with licensed professionals for legal, tax, or financial guidance.
Use at Your Own Risk
Accessing and using the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s data is done entirely at your own risk. The Office does not assume liability for any actions taken based on the information provided. Users are encouraged to exercise due diligence and ensure the accuracy of any details before making property-related decisions, filing documents, or submitting appeals.
Public Records Usage Policy
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office is dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability by providing public access to property records, tax information, and related data. At the same time, the Office prioritizes protecting sensitive personal information and ensuring that publicly available data is used responsibly and in accordance with Florida law. This policy outlines the rights, limitations, and responsibilities associated with accessing and using property records.
Public Access Rights
Florida law guarantees that property records are generally open to public inspection, allowing citizens, researchers, and businesses to access information such as ownership details, assessed values, tax exemptions, parcel maps, and legal descriptions. The Highlands County Property Appraiser provides multiple channels for accessing these records, including online search portals, in-person requests, and downloadable reports. The objective is to ensure that users can make informed decisions about property ownership, investment, and taxation, while maintaining a high level of transparency in local government operations.
Limitations on Data Use
Although these records are publicly accessible, there are strict limitations on their use. Users may not exploit the data for unlawful purposes, including harassment, unsolicited marketing, identity theft, or discriminatory practices. Commercial use of bulk data may require explicit permission from the Office. Users are responsible for ensuring that their use of property records complies with all federal, state, and local laws, and that any sharing or redistribution of the data is done ethically and legally. Misuse of public records may result in legal consequences or restricted access.
Privacy & Personal Information Protection
Certain types of information, such as social security numbers, bank account details, confidential financial records, or other sensitive personal data, are not disclosed to protect the privacy and security of property owners. The Highlands County Property Appraiser employs internal safeguards, access controls, and data protection protocols to prevent unauthorized disclosure. Users are expected to respect these privacy boundaries and avoid collecting or disseminating protected personal information obtained through public records. The balance between transparency and privacy is maintained to ensure public trust while complying with legal obligations.
External Links & Third-Party Services
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office may include links to external websites, third-party services, or online tools to provide users with additional resources, such as mapping tools, tax calculators, or property research services. While these resources can be helpful, it is important to understand that the Office does not control, endorse, or guarantee the content, accuracy, or reliability of any external sites. Users are responsible for exercising caution and independently verifying any information obtained from these sources.
Linked Sites Are Not Endorsed
Links to external websites are provided strictly for convenience and informational purposes. Inclusion of a link does not imply an endorsement, approval, or recommendation of the site, its content, products, or services. Users should carefully evaluate the validity, credibility, and usefulness of third-party websites before relying on any information. Decisions made based on content from external sites are the responsibility of the user.
No Responsibility for External Content
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office cannot be held liable for the content, functionality, or security of external websites. This includes, but is not limited to, errors, omissions, outdated information, technical malfunctions, or misleading content on third-party sites. Users interact with these external resources entirely at their own risk, and the Office disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience resulting from their use. Users are encouraged to verify any critical information through official channels before taking action.
Security & Privacy Cannot Be Guaranteed
External websites and services may have different privacy policies, security standards, and data handling practices than those of the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office. The Office cannot ensure the confidentiality, integrity, or security of personal information, financial data, or login credentials shared with third-party sites. Users should carefully review the privacy policies and terms of service of any external website before submitting personal or sensitive information. It is recommended to exercise caution and use discretion to protect your data when accessing these resources.
Liability Limitations
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office provides property information, tax data, and related resources with the goal of informing the public and promoting transparency. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data provided, users should understand the limits of liability associated with the use of this information.
Highlands County Not Liable for Damages
The Office, its employees, and affiliates shall not be held responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information provided on the website or through public records. This includes damages arising from errors, omissions, interruptions, or technical issues with the site or its services. Users access and use the provided resources entirely at their own risk.
No Legal Responsibility for Errors or Omissions
While the Office strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date records, there may be errors, omissions, or outdated information in the data. The Highlands County Property Appraiser does not assume legal responsibility for any consequences that result from relying on such information. Users are encouraged to independently verify property details, assessments, or tax data before making financial, legal, or other important decisions.
Users Assume All Risks
By accessing or using the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s resources, users acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any outcomes or decisions based on the information obtained. This includes understanding that estimates, projections, or summaries provided on the site may not reflect the final official figures. Users should exercise caution and, when necessary, consult official documents or professional advisors to confirm accuracy before taking action.
Terms of Use & Legal Compliance
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s website and associated resources are provided for informational purposes to support public access to property data, tax information, and other related resources. By accessing or using these resources, users agree to comply with all applicable laws and the terms outlined below, ensuring that information is used responsibly, ethically, and legally.
User Agreement Terms
All users of the Highlands County Property Appraiser website and related services must adhere to the stated terms of use. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Accessing information solely for personal, educational, or professional purposes consistent with Florida law.
- Not using data for unauthorized commercial purposes, including resale, marketing, or bulk data harvesting without explicit permission.
- Respecting intellectual property rights and refraining from copying, reproducing, or distributing content without proper attribution.
- Using the website and its services in a manner that does not disrupt, overload, or harm the functionality of the site or interfere with other users’ access.
Users are expected to review these terms periodically, as continued use of the website constitutes acknowledgment and agreement to abide by any updated rules or policies.
Violations and Enforcement
Violations of these terms, or misuse of the property appraiser’s resources, may result in restricted access, legal action, or other remedies as allowed under federal, state, or local law. The Office reserves the right to:
- Investigate suspected misuse or violations of website policies.
- Suspend or revoke access for individuals or organizations that violate the terms of use.
- Pursue civil or criminal penalties when applicable, particularly in cases of unauthorized data harvesting, fraud, or other illegal activities.
By accessing the Highlands County Property Appraiser website, users acknowledge that they understand the responsibilities and legal obligations associated with using the site and agree to comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines.
Updates & Modifications
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s website, disclaimers, terms of use, and related content are subject to change at any time. These updates are made to ensure that information remains accurate, relevant, and compliant with current laws and regulations. Users are encouraged to stay informed about any modifications to avoid misunderstandings or misuse of the provided resources.
Right to Modify Disclaimer
The Office reserves the right to update, revise, or modify the disclaimer, terms of use, and related policies without prior notice. This includes changes to liability statements, data usage policies, privacy practices, and other legal information. Modifications may occur due to changes in state law, technological updates, or improvements in the website’s functionality and services. Users are responsible for reviewing and understanding these updates whenever they access the website.
Check for Updates Regularly
Because policies and legal notices may change frequently, users should regularly review the website to ensure they are aware of the most current terms and disclaimers. Continued use of the website after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. Staying informed helps users make responsible decisions based on the most accurate and up-to-date information provided by the Highlands County Property Appraiser.
FAQ’s
This FAQ section is designed to address common questions and concerns about the Highlands County Property Appraiser website, property records, and public data usage. It provides clarity on how the information is maintained, accessed, and used, helping homeowners, researchers, and other users navigate the site responsibly.
Is all property information on this website accurate?
While the Highlands County Property Appraiser strives to provide accurate and up-to-date property data, errors, omissions, or delays may occasionally occur. Users should verify critical information through official sources before making decisions related to property purchases, taxes, or legal matters. The Office cannot guarantee absolute accuracy, and all information should be considered informational rather than legally binding.
Can I remove my property details from public records?
Property records maintained by the Highlands County Property Appraiser are considered public information under Florida law. Because of this, owners cannot remove their property details from public records, including ownership, parcel data, and assessed values. The Office ensures that personal privacy is protected where applicable, but public access to property records is a legal requirement.
Can I use this data for business or research purposes?
Users may access and use property data for personal, research, or educational purposes. However, using the data for commercial purposes, resale, or marketing without authorization is prohibited. Anyone intending to use data for business or large-scale research projects should seek permission from the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office and comply with all applicable laws and restrictions.
What should I do if I find an error in my property record?
If you notice incorrect or outdated information in your property record, you should contact the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office immediately. Providing accurate documentation, such as deed records, tax documents, or legal descriptions, will help resolve discrepancies. Timely reporting ensures that your property record reflects the most accurate information, which is important for tax assessments and legal purposes.
How often is the website updated?
The website is regularly updated to reflect changes in property assessments, tax rolls, exemptions, and other relevant data. However, updates may vary based on internal processing schedules, statutory deadlines, or new submissions from property owners. Users are encouraged to check the website periodically and verify critical information with official notices or direct communication with the Property Appraiser’s Office.